Officials had hoped they could avoid layoffs in New Hanover County, North Carolina.  Unfortunately, the county is calling layoffs a likely circumstance.

Several weeks ago the county, which contains the city of Wilmington, created an early retirement plan to avoid layoffs and furlough for county employees.  The deadline for applications to the early retirement program was February 27.

With the deadline past, New Hanover County officials say the 43 employees opted for the plan. A little less than half of these employees work in the Department of Social Services.  Four of them are New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office employees, including the Sheriff. The head of New Hanover County’s Human Relations office also opted to take the early retirement package.

These eliminated salaries should save the county $2.5 million dollars.  However, some of these positions will have to be filled, which will cut into the savings.

Layoffs will most likely be necessary to fill the $3 million budget shortfall for this year.  Any layoffs will be announced March 9.

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